Evora University

Universidade de Evora

Evora University, Alentejo, Portugal. — The second oldest university in Portugal - Evora University, Alentejo

Just outside the historic city walls of Evora in the north east of town is the University of Evora (Colégio del Espiritú Santo).

It was the second university founded in Portugal, two decades after the founding of the University of Coimbra in Coimbra in 1537.

History

The church of Espiritú Santo is a former Jesuit church dating from the 16th century and the Italian Renaissance style university buildings, courtyard and classrooms date from the 18th century.

The ornate classrooms still have a fireplace, Brazilwood ceilings and blue and white azulejos tiling.

The University of Evora is Portugal's second oldest university and was a Jesuit college - the Colégio del Espiritú Santo - from 1559 to 1759, until the Jesuits were expelled by the Marquis of Pombal.

The modern-day university is now state-run and reopened as a university in 1979.

There are other campuses of the university in Evora including the Palácio do Vimioso near the Cathedral. There are over 7,000 students and 500 staff.